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Article History

Received: 15 January 2025

Accepted: 28 April 2025

First Online: 1 July 2025

Declarations

:

: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the College of Sciences at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia, adhering to their guidelines and regulations. We also obtained necessary permissions from the Tembaro District Administration before commencing the study. To ensure participants fully understood the study’s objectives, we explained the purpose in their native language. For adult participants, we prioritized informed consent. Before initiating each questionnaire or group discussion, we obtained verbal informed consent from every individual. We were meticulous in protecting their privacy by refraining from collecting any personally identifiable information. For participants under 18 years of age, we obtained informed consent from their parents or legal guardians. All participants, regardless of age, were informed about the study’s objectives, the strict confidentiality and anonymity of their data, and their absolute right to withdraw from the study at any time without facing any repercussions. This information was carefully explained to each participant before their involvement, and their informed consent was obtained. We diligently assessed the potential risks associated with the study and determined them to be insignificant. We ensured that participants’ responses would not have any personal, social, or political consequences. The IRB approved the proposed verbal consent procedure.

: This manuscript does not contain any identifiable individual data, and therefore, no further consent for publication is required.

: The authors declare no competing interests.